To foster the development of the next generation of athletes and elevate the standards of Myanmar Judo sports, the Inter-Region and State Judo Competition 2023-24 opening ceremony took place at Wunna Theikdhi Gymnasium A in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Members of the State Ad­ministration Council, includ­ing Porel Aung Thein, Dr Ba Shwe, Khun San Lwin, and U Yan Kyaw, along with Union Ministers, deputy ministers, the President of the Myanmar Judo Federation, officials, adminis­trators, coaches, and athletes, attended the event.

U Min Thein Zan, the Chair of the Myanmar Olympic Com­mittee and Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, ad­dressed the gathering, express­ing his wish for the athletes to compete at their best. He em­phasized that participating in the competition held as much significance as winning and urged the athletes to strive for the utmost performance in rep­resenting their respective states and regions.

Following the opening speech, athletes recited four sports oaths. Subsequently, SAC members, Union Minister U Min Thein Zan and officials warmly greeted the athletes. They then observed the demonstration of the under-45-kilogramme indi­vidual men’s and women’s Judo competition.

A total of 14 men’s and 14 women’s teams, comprising 266 administrators, coaches, and athletes, participated in the competition scheduled from 8 to 12 January at Wunna Theik­dhi Gymnasium A. The event is open to all and offers free admis­sion for spectators. — MNA/NT